The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 157

Olivia

Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

“So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

“And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

“The last time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the island.”

“And wasn’t it exhilarating?”

“Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

Alexander’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

“Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

“I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Becoming a more balanced individual.”

“Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront villa perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

“This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

“Glad you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

bedroom featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by natural rock formations. The bathroom boasted a deep soaking tub

my hand along the smooth

replied, wrapping his arms around

plan?” I asked, leaning back

on the terrace, maybe take a moonlight swim…” His hands slid up to cup my breasts, thumbs brushing

in his arms to face him. “But I think I’d like to explore the

looked momentarily disappointed but quickly recovered. “Your wish

our way down the private staircase to the beach below. The cove was completely secluded, protected by natural rock formations

asked,

mentioned it was available for the weekend,” Alexander said, watching a seagull soar

repeated with a laugh. “Just

advantages,” he said with a grin that was simultaneously infuriating

the water’s edge, feeling the cool spray against my legs. “Race you

respond, laughing as I heard him shout behind me. Despite my head start, Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the distance between us. Just as I reached the outcropping of rocks, his arms wrapped

I gasped through my laughter as he spun

start,” he countered, setting me down but keeping his

our ankles. Alexander’s eyes were bright with something I couldn’t quite name, happiness, maybe, or

I asked, suddenly self–conscious under

Just thinking how beautiful you look right

respond, he pulled me into a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom and pull me closer. I

head back,” he murmured against my lips. “Before I’m

I agreed, stepping back

teased, taking my hand as

“Hardly. Just common sense.”

the afternoon alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on the deck chairs with cocktails. By the time the

a fresh towel as I emerged from the

admitted, wrapping the

Dinner should

Did you